Rob Wittle
A new breath of life for this historic beauty.
Lievland Café had been open for just three weeks on the wild and stormy Heritage Day weekend we visited. Driving into the historic Lievland Vineyards, a short drive from Stellenbosch off the R44, a lovely Cape Dutch setting awaits, surrounded by gentle green hills, verdant lawns, a goose-dotted pond… and two peacocks. The surrounding hills envelop the restaurant in a valley of tranquility, with no trace of the R44 once inside.
We were greeted warmly by restaurant manager Jana Bedford and guided past the bar and seated lounge reception area into the lovely large glass-windowed restaurant with two fires burning brightly, one on each side of the room. Outside, a beautiful old oak creates a sense of place, with pasture-perfect views in every direction.
Contemporary café food
Head chef Gareth Goliath’s well-conceived bistro-style menu, showcasing seasonal, local produce with a nod to the Mediterranean, is a mix of rustic and contemporary dishes varied to suit even the most sophisticated palate.
From the starter menu, we devoured the fresh oysters, with a mignonette dressing accompanied by Lievland’s delicious MCC 2019 sparkling wine – a perfect start. The cold poached trout, with cucumber, radish and rocket and the Lievland Platter (charcuterie and cheese) tempted, but we chose a delicious fresh beetroot carpaccio with feta and toasted pine nuts; and a Mediterranean plate of spicy aubergine, hummus, olives, falafel and lavash.
The lip-smacking lamb Rogan Josh, accompanied by a well-seasoned lentil dahl, sambal and a sublime flaky butter roti was the perfect main. Tagliatelle cooked al dente with roasted tomato, aubergine, lemon and Parmesan cheese was another hit, and the pure beef burger served in a fat bun with bacon, cheddar cheese, pickles and chips was cooked to perfection.
The West Coast black mussel-and-Cape linelish casserole with potatoes and fresh vegetables; and the confit duck leg with an orange-and-thyme sauce will have to wait until our next visit!
Highly recommended to complete an all-round delicious feast was the burnt Basque cheesecake with a berry sauce and an excellent affogato. Chocoholics would enjoy the dark chocolate mousse with whipped cream and almond tuile.
Rob Wittle
There is a short kids’ menu, featuring Bolognese pasta, chicken strips, a white cheddar farm toastie and chips. On a sunny day, there’s plenty of room for them to play outdoors on the sprawling lawns.
Good to know Lievland can be hired as venue for private events and celebrationsy events, such as weddings.
Wine-tasting with a view
Rob Wittle
From old vine chenin blanc to bushvine pinotage and classic cabernet sauvignon, Lievland’s winemaker, Riaan Mölle aims for the perfect balance between old-world elegance and new-world bright fruit. Before or after your meal, head to the nearby gabled Cape Dutch house to enjoy a tasting of all six varietals.
Cost R110 (6 wines)
Opening times Daily, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 879 9894, tastingroom@lievland.co.za
Book through DinePlan
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 879 7892, cafe@lievland.co.za
Where to find it Lievland Vineyards, R44, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
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